Former Red Sox, Padres and Orioles president Larry Lucchino passed away Tuesday at 78, his family announced. Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred issued the following statement in a press release:
“Larry Lucchino was one of the most accomplished executives that our industry has ever had. He was deeply driven, he understood baseball’s place in our communities, and he had a keen eye for executive talent. Larry’s vision for Camden Yards played a vital role in advancing fan-friendly ballparks across the game. He followed up by overseeing the construction of Petco Park, which remains a jewel of the San Diego community. Then Larry teamed with John Henry and Tom Werner to produce the most successful era in Red Sox history, which included historic World Series Championships on the field and a renewed commitment to Fenway Park. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my condolences to Larry’s family, his Red Sox colleagues and his many friends throughout our National Pastime.”
Lucchino spent six years as the Orioles’ president, from 1988-93, before spending seven years as the Padres’ president and CEO (1995-2001) and 14 years as the president and CEO of the Red Sox (2002-15). He’s widely credited with the visions behind Oriole Park at Camden Yards and Petco Park in San Diego, both of which were constructed during his time as president for those respective franchises. His 14-year run with the Red Sox included Boston’s curse-breaking 2004 World Series championship and subsequent World Series victories in 2007 and in 2013.
After stepping down from his role following the 2015 season, Lucchino remained connected to the franchise as a partial owner of the Sox’ Triple-A club and the president and CEO emeritus of Fenway Sports Group. A three-time cancer survivor, Lucchino also became the chairman of the Jimmy Fund in 2016 — a charity that has raised millions of dollars for Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through various community-based fundraising events.
“Larry’s career unfolded like a playbook of triumphs, marked by transformative moments that reshaped ballpark design, enhanced the fan experience, and engineered the ideal conditions for championships wherever his path led him, and especially in Boston,” Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement this morning. “Yet, perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in the remarkable people he helped assemble at the Red Sox, all of whom are a testament to his training, wisdom, and mentorship. Many of them continue to shape the organization today, carrying forward the same vigor, vitality, and cherished sayings that were hallmarks of Larry’s personality. Larry was a formidable opponent in any arena, and while he battled hard, he always maintained the utmost respect for a worthy adversary and found genuine joy in sparring with people. I was lucky enough to have had him in my corner for 14 years and to have called him a close friend for even longer. He was truly irreplaceable and will be missed by all of us at the Red Sox.”
For a comprehensive look at the impact Lucchino had in Boston, Baltimore and San Diego, this morning’s pieces from John Powers of the Boston Globe, Ryan Finley of the San Diego Union-Tribune and Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner are rife with old quotes from Lucchino and anecdotes shared by those who worked with him throughout his remarkable career. In addition to the Red Sox (who released statements from Sam Kennedy and Tom Werner, in addition to the aforementioned Henry statement) the Orioles have also released a statement on Lucchino’s passing:
“We are heartbroken over the news of the passing of former Orioles president and CEO, Larry Lucchino. A pioneer in the sport, we will forever be grateful for his impact on our organization, highlighted by the construction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, The Ballpark That Forever Changed Baseball. We join our entire baseball family in mourning this loss and extend our thoughts and prayers to his loved ones and many friends throughout the game.”
We at MLBTR extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Lucchino, as well as the countless baseball fans whose experiences of the game were impacted and enhanced by his contributions.
“Yet, perhaps his most enduring legacy lies in the remarkable people he helped assemble at the Red Sox”
In light of that comment and nothing else, I’m curious to learn how Terry Francona and Theo Epstein will respond.
Im sure they are both Sad..unsure about Tito but ive read many times he was Theo’s mentor
Gomez – What do you mean by that?
Theo owes basically his entire career to Larry, who took him under his wing when Theo was just an intern in Baltimore. Then Larry brought him to San Diego, then brought him to Boston, promoted him quickly and surrounded him with a team of highly experienced MLB executives.
Please clarify exactly what you’re getting at.
What I mean by “In light of that comment and nothing else, I’m curious to learn how Terry Francona and Theo Epstein will respond.” is “In light of that comment and nothing else, I’m curious to learn how Terry Francona and Theo Epstein will respond.” They are both “remarkable people,” or at least I think so. What exactly are you attempting to imply?
Gomez – Glad to see you walking it back.
They are both classy guys, and neither would have any reason to “respond” to that quote if they even see it at all.
But if they do “respond”, it will definitely be them totally agreeing that Larry was a master at assembling a great team both on and off the field in Boston.
@Fever Pitch Guy implying everything about everyone. What else is new?
I’m sure it was a reference to Larry’s hand in the decision to scapegoat Francona for the 2011 September collapse and force him out as manager. Larry did a large number of positive things for the Sox, but also had some not so great things he authored. It was surely more good than bad but why sugarcoat things?
King – If your manager’s life is a mess, addicted to painkillers and thrown out of the house by his wife, and sending inappropriate unsolicited pictures to young women, and it leads to a historic collapse …. there’s no scapegoating, he deserved to be fired. He needed to clean up his act and get a fresh start somewhere else, I’m glad he was able to do so.
And it most definitely wasn’t just Larry who was involved in the decision.
Fever Pitch Guy as a decorated Combat Vet from Iraq. In fairness to Tito, he had two sons, one his son and the other his son in law, both officers in Iraq fighting. I am sure he was concerned about them as well as having Beckett, Lackey, and Lester while making millions of dollars could not act like men and drank beer and ate chicken in the clubhouse during games. Unprofessional on their part. I felt bad for Tito and Luchinno who I am sad to see pass away and am thankful for our World Series wins, however he was involved in that decision to fire Tito and Epstein sadly. He also hired Valentine who was a disaster.
No one ever held Lester accountable. Tito was there for him, and he just did the beer and chicken thing. I was glad he didn’t stay with the Sox. Total lack of gratitude and maturity.
At the end of the day, controlling the clubhouse fell on the manager.
If he didn’t always know it was going on he should’ve. If he did, and didn’t controll it, he should’ve.
That comes with the job of being the boss during games.
They are adults though, and should know better, and lead by example. I don’t disagree with you though.
Al – Thank you for your service.
I felt bad for Tito too, it’s easy to become addicted to painkillers especially with the chronic knee pain he had that year after surgery and draining blood from his knee more than 5 times.
Glad it all worked out, he went on to have a nice career in Cleveland and the Sox won it all 2 years later.
lucky – I think Lackey was the ringleader followed by Beckett, I would say Lester just followed along. They were a tight group, all starting pitchers from Texas and whatnot.
Keep in mind Pedroia and Ortiz were the true leaders in the clubhouse. It was simply a matter of the team losing respect for Tito because of all his issues, he lost the clubhouse which led to the collapse.
The only mistake they made was hiring Valentine before Farrell.
GASox – Exactly! And the players never had behavioral issues before, nothing changed on their end. It was Tito’s personal issues that led to the circus atmosphere and historic collapse.
lucky – The leaders of that team were Pedroia and Ortiz, calling them clubhouse cancers is just not right. The only guy who was a jerk was Lackey.
Didn’t call them that, I would call them guys I wouldn’t give multi million dollar contracts to if they have to be told not to drink and play video games during games. Lester got off easy on that. He just followed along? Nope. He actively participated. It’s just not okay. Just ridiculous to defend that type of behavior by grown men being paid crazy money.
lucky – I agree it’s poor behavior, but we are still talking about jocks who are known for their drinking. Read the book “Idiots” by Johnny Damon, it talks a lot about what went on in the 2004 clubhouse. Shots of whiskey before the games, naked pullups, tossing around a 3-foot man, it was pure craziness … but it obviously worked out.
Still, like GASox said, Tito was responsible for letting the craziness go on. Everyone adores the guy, but they either forget or don’t realize he was way too lenient … and that directly led to ownership deciding to replace him with a strict disciplinarian.
Fever, are you implying such a politically correct leader as John Henry allowed midget tossing to occur under his watch?
I know, I know, I just can’t help myself right now.
Took the GMC to park in my spots at a swap meet… mostly to visit folks we see a few times a year at the events, I can’t be bothered with the loading and unloading to sell.
Meanwhile, parked about 40 feet away our the window are a white ’70 challenger with roof/floor rust but running 383/727 for $6900, and, I’m about to get Joe’s interest, a 65 mustang GT fastback 289/c4 for $21k, 68 mustang GT fastback 390/c4 for $38k, and 69 mustang fastback (roller) for 20k..
At those prices all need work, the mustangs mostly paint and interior, and a going through other than the roller, the dodge being typical rusted out Mopar e-body gold.
So, I’m trying not to buy yet something else I can’t work on anymore. No trailer of parts means throwing a uhaul auto transport behind me on the return trip is eminently doable.
Any pot stirring is a welcome distraction.
GASox – Man I’d love to drive that Challenger, even though I’ve never been fond of white cars.
They just don’t make ’em like they used to, eh?
Two years ago I saw a 2000 Plymouth Prowler for sale at a Mazda dealership (obviously a trade-in), only 17K miles and in immaculate condition. Even though it was silver, I seriously thought about paying the $38K asking price. It sold within a few days.
Challengers, Cudas, Prowlers, Vipers and DeLoreans …. those are the cars I am totally fascinated with.
Hey hope you are doing well.
Fever – Skipped going on the Spirit of Ethan Allen today on their eclipse cruise.
Made the executive decision it was going to be too much. The car meet was a test run, I couldn’t imagine being on a boat 4 hrs.
Soon I’m probably going to need a new board name, looks like I’m leaving GA. Just need to decide for where.
huh? lucchino built 3 successful world series teams. the entire reason theo left after 2011 is he wanted lucchino’s position, but the red sox weren’t ready to promote him.
even henry went on the radio in 2012 and said lucchino ran the boston red sox.
soggy – Thank you! Good to see others who know what went down back then. Theo wanted Larry’s job and part ownership, it never was gonna happen though. That’s why the best way to get a big promotion is to go elsewhere, which Theo did. So it worked out for everyone.
Rip
“he understood baseball’s place in our communities“
I’d be interested to hear some Pawtucket folks feelings on that.
Thats just the business part.and politics of old mccoy stadium.if you want to be upset about something like that talk about Hasbro leaving…its way bigger deal
Insane – I don’t have much of an opinion on the subject, but I do know Pawtucket has really gone downhill over the years and Worcester made sense for many reasons.
Times change, situations change, you can’t be locked into one location forever just because of the history. The Bristol/New Britain Red Sox moved as well … it sucks, but that’s the business end of it. Same thing with the Red Sox moving their ST location.
I lived in RI, not pawtucket… and there were a lot of issues there, and, they remained even after the team left leading to varying dysfunction, and, ultimately the stadium now being town down for soccer instead of sold and redeveloped for baseball.
You were never going to get a facility of equal quality to Polar in Pawtucket. And it was a shame, really.
GASox – I believe last year Polar Park was rated the best park in all of minor league baseball.
And I’ve been told Worcester is the 2nd-largest city in all of New England.
I can understand Rhode Island residents being unhappy, I lost my NHL team years ago.
RIP
Forever grateful for this man! Changed/revolutionized baseball in San Diego.
As influential and important to SD as Peter Seidler for overseeing the Pads getting to a WS and getting Petco built.
Win it for Peter, Larry, Tony, Cammi,Jerry and Dick, yes Dick Enberg.
All so important to San Diego…
Let’s go Padres!
Mr. Lucchino left a lasting mark across MLB – World Series wins and the return of old school baseball parks. That’s a proper legacy. My best to those missing Mr. Lucchino today.
30 Parks said it well. I too appreciated Larry. RIP.
Thank you for Petco Park
Love, all Padres fans
RIP Mr. Lucchino
Had an oversized impact on the game. Should make the HOF in the executive wing. Condolences to his family and friends.
Thanks for helping to realize Petco Park, Larry. RIP.
Entrance to Petco should be named Lucchino Lane or such. RIP
Sounds like a Hall of Famer for the builders category.
RIP, LL…thanks for your efforts that helped San Diego build Petco Park…forever grateful!
This is very sad. He was one of the most accessible front office people I have ever known and a great guy with the fans. Long after he had left the Padres organization, he still recognized and remembered the names of many Padres fans.
He was greatly responsible for the existence of two of the best ballparks in the game, Petco Park and Camden Yards. Without him neither would have made it across the finish line.
My condolences to his family and friends and to fans of the Orioles, Padres and Red Sox. RIP Larry. You will be greatly missed.
You said it perfectly
Larry Lucchino and John Moores made Petco Park happen and again it was voted the best baseball park in MLB…I remember the last all star game at Petco and the players, managers and sports writers all asked MLB why they don’t play the all star game at Petco every year because it’s that nice.
Thank you Mr Lucchino
RIP
If I am correct… didn’t Larry coin the phrase…. The Evil Empire??? Rip Larry and thanks for helping The Red Sox become the greatest franchise of the 21st century….
Olm – You are correct. Larry wanted to win, badly. He took the rivalry very seriously, far more than anyone else in the front office. Keep in mind Henry was a longtime owner of the Yankees.
FPG… when do your spring classes start?? Game is called CLUE and I didn’t have one that JH… owned a piece of!!!!! Marlins yes… Yankees NOOO!!!!
olmtiant – Haven’t you seen me write Henry has 8 rings? I didn’t mean he was a tree! Haha!
He was chairman and sole owner of the Florida Marlins from 1999 through 2001 and a limited partner of the New York Yankees from 1991 through 2003 …. yes that’s right, he simultaneously owned BOTH the Yankees and Red Sox for 2 years …. and also simultaneously owned BOTH the Yankees and Marlins for 3 years!
As we all know, when you’re in the MLB owner circle you can get away with pretty much anything!
Brais ate my homework!!!?? Nope.. haven’t seen that post from you… maybe I’m living under a tree!!!LOL
olmtiant – Speaking of my man Brasier … did you see last night it was an All-Red Sox-Pitchers game for the Dodgers!
Paxton started.
Then my man Brasier relieved.
Then Joe Kelly relieved.
Then Dinelson Lamet closed.
As Mel Allen would say ….. How about that!
Greatest show growing up !! This week in baseball!!! Mel was the man.. shameful… yes… saw fight club got lit up once already and my man must have served up a center cut slider!! Can’t believe how Mookie is struggling!!!!
Met him outside at the 04 WS parade. Extremely friendly and personable.
ZZZ – I met him a few times, Winter Weekends and Toronto etc …. I got the same impression.
RIP
Fair to say he was, whether by accident or design, that first exec to bring in a baseball savvy person with Ivy League pedigree in to a position of authority with the on field product of a franchise (Theo Epstein)?
RIP to the man who coined the phrase “Evil Empire” to describe the Home Office of MLB. Much respect to a worthy competitor who was on the cutting edge of so much contemporary baseball history.
RIP Larry…..
Love him or hate him, he did a lot to further the Redsox in the division. Be it transactions, having a hand in hiring Theo Epstein or improving Fenway Park. I loved his passion for the game.
The current Redsox hierarchy sure could use his passion for winning right now !!
BobbyV
Carl – everyone makes mistakes and Bobby V was squarely on Larry. He did a lot things right then wrong. Who knows the Red Sox may not have won 4 World Series in the last 20 years without Larry’s hand in things…
RIP to Larry Lucchino was an MLB Baseball Executive legend
(condolences to his family and friends)..
LL was at the forefront of the wave of new downtown baseball only oriented ballparks in Baltimore and San Diego.
Lucchino made life long connections with people throughout MLB, Business, Finance and Law, He mastered the art at leveraging himself and his connections he made with people into achieving Larry’s goals and objectives in MLB, business and charitable endeavors in multiple cities.
Lucchino’s relationship with Trial Lawyer Edward Bennett Williams was instrumental in the acquisition and success of the Orioles. Lucchino’s vision in the design and construction of Camden Yards set a new, higher bar for baseball only stadiums that became the “gold standard” that all other MLB franchises tried to replicate.
Lucchino teamed with Houston software magnate John Moores and Tom Werner of Carsey=Werner TV productions (Cosby Show, Roseanne and many other TV productions) to buy the Padres.
Lucchino leveraged his Tom Werner relationship and added John Henry as principle in their successful Ownership bid for the Red Sox and its ensuing successes.
Larry mentored quite a few young interns and young baseball front office types, Lucchino gave countless young people their break and start in MLB Front Offices, Scouting and Marketing Departments including: Kevin Towers and Theo Epstein in San Diego and many more.
Larry Lucchino’s track record of success in multiple cities with multiple teams and Ownership Groups ( that Larry Lucchino was instrumental in assembling:: Orioles, Padres, Red Sox and a few Red Sox Minor league teams) speaks volumes about him and his successes and winning track record at every MLB stop and in minor league endeavors also.
Larry Lucchino is a first ballot Hall MLB Hall of Fame Executive who should have been voted in when he was alive.
As a side note, Larry Lucchino was very approachable and big on outreach to fans.. a real “hands on Executive” with the Padres.
I spoke with and had a very interesting conversation by phone with
Larry Lucchino when he was President and CEO of the Padres in San Diego years ago about: the team, baseball, the farm system and his plans for a new stadium that became Petco Park in San Diego.
Larry loved public input and engaging with fans.
RIP Larry Lucchino.
MLB has lost a Front Office Legend.
RIP Mr. Lucchino.
I missed this post finally come out due to a treatment which put me under.
Good job to Steve and mlbtr on this one, you could’ve written pages upon pages of stories and tributes to this great man, but, did him justice.
He did a lot for MLB, fans, and others through the years. For that we’re all thankful, may he rest in peace.
I hope Larry is looking down on everyone whose lives he touched through the years, and, puts a finger of destiny on some shoulders:
Orioles win the AL East, but fall to the WC Red Sox in the ALCS. Padres and Sox go seven games in the WS. Make it happen Larry. Make it happen.
GASox – Did you see Papi’s statement? He sent a very strong message, emphasizing how important winning was to Larry. That’s what made him a winner, his passion for winning is sorely missed in the Red Sox front office.
Also the non-baseball history is quite fascinating, Larry was teammates with Bill Bradley on the Princeton Final Four team and he also played for Bob Cousy.. He also was in Yale law school with Hillary Clinton and they both were involved in the Watergate investigation.
But I think more than anything he’ll be remembered for the stadiums he built.
Oriole Park
Petco Park
JetBlue Park
Polar Park
And the remodeling of Fenway.
Dude was a true visionary who had a deep passion for baseball.
Thanks Larry.
Holy crap! I didn’t even know Lucky Luciano was still alive. The stories that man could tell! Oi!!!